Review of Cage Rage 8: Knights Of The Octagon

Introduction

This would appear to be the eighth in a series of "Cage Rage" events according to the packaging. Cage Rage is, of course, the franchise name for one of those invented-for-television gladiatorial sports for people who don`t think real sports are exciting enough. So there`s a little kick-boxing and a little all-in wrestling, all taking place within a caged ring so "there`s no way out". Riiiight...

Well, if the sight of two sweaty blokes beating seven bells out of each other yanks your chain, then you`ll probably get something out of the eleven bouts on this single disc. Covering featherweight, middleweight and heavyweight bouts, the presentation is reminiscent of the old World Of Sport wrestling bouts rather than the all-out redneckstravaganza that is American wrestling although they do try, bless `em.

This left me completely cold. And before you accuse me of being one of those Nanny-Nazis who want these kinds of things banned to keep these sportspersons from doing themselves permanent damage, I can assure you I could care less about the welfare of these people. I just hope they`re not pinning their dreams of these discs being the first step on the ladder to success because Cage Rage as a sports-entertainment phenomenon ain`t going to happen.

Video

Originated on PAL videotape at standard 4:3 ratio, the picture is unremarkable. There are occasional videotape artefacts during the programme.

Audio

The sound is Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo.

Features

There are no extras.

Conclusion

I can only assume that the profit margin on making a disc like this is so low that you break even sending out review copies. Then again maybe the discs are simply promotional materials for the live bouts. If you`re into the world of (puts on suitably butch announcer voice) "Two Men... One Cage... No Way Out" then you might find this mixture of kickboxing and wrestling fun. I didn`t. Sorry.